The tube station, like the shops and the pavements, was very busy. Colin kept Martin well away from the edge of the platform as they waited for the next train to arrive. Just before it did, Colin told Martin to expect a whoosh of warm air.
Martin sneezed.
“Sorry, I forgot to tell you how dusty it gets down here,” Colin said, handing Martin a paper tissue.
The three men had to cram themselves into the carriage, it was standing room only. It irked Colin that none of the seated passengers was willing to give up their seat for Martin.
Apparently sensing Colin’s mood, Martin gave Colin’s elbow a squeeze. “It’s all right, Col.”
Colin relaxed a little, but it wasn’t all right. He glared at a young guy with a small Hamley’s carrier bag on his knee who sat to their left.
The three of them c
